by Life Credit Company | Mar 18, 2020 | Uncategorized
We know March to be home to holidays like St. Patrick’s Day, but the month is also a time for more serious occasions, such as raising kidney cancer awareness. Although this cancer, also known as renal cell carcinoma, is among the 10 most commonly diagnosed cancers, it’s one that is much lesser-known. That’s why Kidney Cancer Awareness Month seeks to shed light on the risk factors for the disease, as well as the kidney cancer treatments available. Here are five facts to raise your own kidney cancer awareness this March: Men are affected more often than women: One in 48 men is at risk for developing the disease, but just one in 83 women is affected. Age plays a factor: Kidney cancer is extremely uncommon in younger people. The average age of diagnosis is 64, and it’s very rare for someone to be diagnosed under the age of 45. Treatment can be expensive: Kidney cancer treatment most commonly centers on surgical removal of the kidney, also known as a nephrectomy. Without insurance, this procedure may cost anywhere from $15,000 to $75,000 and could be about one-third for a negotiated insurance price. For patients who are not good candidates for surgery, they may opt for drug treatment, a full course of which can cost $60,000-$80,000. New therapies are emerging: Several new oral therapies have recently been developed for kidney cancer treatment, and some have been shown to reduce toxicity and double the length of survival time compared to other therapies. However, these new therapies are more expensive and studies have shown that the higher price tag, coupled with other costs...
by Life Credit Company | Jan 15, 2020 | Uncategorized
When someone is battling cancer, his or her loved ones may feel helpless, as they want to guide their family member or friend through the ordeal but often don’t quite know exactly what the person needs. Lending a listening ear, providing day-to-day help with household chores and cooking meals are all good ways for supporters to step up to the plate. Care packages for cancer patients are another means of showing your love and support. Assembling an assortment of day-to-day items patients may need—plus some extras just to make them smile!—shows them you understand how much their daily routine has been transformed by the diagnosis. And since care packages for cancer patients can be delivered in person, brought to a healthcare facility or shipped anywhere in the world, you can be there for your loved one, whether the patient lives next door or several states away. Here are a few of the most common items that supporters incorporate into care packages for cancer patients: Water and snacks: Chemotherapy and other treatments can dehydrate the body, so it’s important for patients to stay hydrated during their sessions. Such treatments can be time-consuming, so loading them up with healthy snacks can help pass the time and satisfy cravings. Warm blankets: Hospitals are notoriously chilly, so gift your loved one a warm blanket, fuzzy socks or a comfy sweatshirt for their visits. Headgear: Hair loss is an unfortunate side effect of treatments like chemo, so care packages for cancer patients undergoing this therapy may include an assortment of hats and scarves. Pick colors the patient likes and opt for caps that show...
by Life Credit Company | Dec 17, 2019 | Uncategorized
Life insurance can be complex — but part of what makes it so are the misconceptions many have, which may be deterring them from enrolling in a life insurance plan (or from taking full advantage of it). The 5 life insurance myths listed are shared by many different age groups and demographics and have persisted for years, pointing to the idea that better financial education is a must for those who want to protect themselves and their loved ones in case of an emergency. Look through these 5 life insurance myths and, if any of them sound familiar to you, consider learning more about all of the benefits of life insurance—and then explore the best plan for you to get yourself and your family on track to a bright financial future. 1. You can’t afford it. In a recent study from Life Happens and LIMRA, about 80% of those surveyed overestimated how much life insurance actually costs, a trend that was particularly an issue with younger respondents. For instance, while the actual annual cost for a 20-year, $250,000 policy is about $160, millennials guessed $600, and Generation Xers suggested $400. 2. You don’t need it until you’re older. Ideally, you or your family won’t need to tap into your life insurance until you’re older, but it’s most cost-efficient to sign up for a policy at a younger age, as prices can increase with age and the onset of health conditions. 3. Retirement savings is more important. While it is smart to sock money away for retirement, that shouldn’t take precedence over investing in life insurance. Both can be part...
by Life Credit Company | Nov 4, 2019 | Uncategorized
Some of the most common side effects of cancer treatments like chemotherapy, radiation or surgery are well-known: hair loss, nausea, fatigue, appetite problems and many more. However, there are a number of conditions patients may face during and after treatment that aren’t often discussed, even though they can have a significant — and in some cases, lasting — effect on the patient’s quality of life. One such issue is complications with the pelvic floor muscles. If you’re wondering, “how does cancer treatment affect the pelvic floor?” the best place to start is first understanding what exactly the pelvic floor does — and how cancer treatment can potentially damage this function. What is the pelvic floor? The pelvic floor is a group of muscles located at the base of the pelvis, extending from your pubic bone to the tailbone. The muscles enable urinary and fecal continence, support sexual function, encase vital organs like the colon and bladder, and work with other muscles to keep the spine stable. How does cancer treatment affect the pelvic floor? The pelvic floor can be damaged to varying degrees during gynecological cancer treatments. Chemotherapy and radiation, for instance, may lead to thickening pelvic tissue, which can lead to incontinence, sexual dysfunction and pain. Patients who undergo surgery for gynecological cancers may experience swelling and scar-tissue growth, which also can inhibit the pelvic floor from functioning as it should. What are the options for patients? The impact of cancer treatments on pelvic floor functionality varies widely, depending on the individual patient. Some may only experience symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction temporarily, as they undergo treatment or...
by Life Credit Company | Feb 4, 2019 | Uncategorized
Chemotherapy is a common treatment for cancer that sets many patients back on the road to recovery. However, starting chemo can throw a patient’s life into a bit of disarray, as he or she needs to adjust to new schedules, unpleasant side effects, and stressful financial obligations. Having a cancer care plan in place can help patients to face those challenges head-on. Assemble Your Team One of the first steps to consider is selecting an oncologist and a cancer care team. Research extensively and meet in person with the doctors to ensure a good fit. Next, compile questions to ask your oncologist, such as expected timeframes, the ins and out of the chemotherapy process and the cost of chemotherapy. From there, patients and their families can begin to prepare themselves and their lives for this new chapter. Prepare for Side Effects One of the questions for the oncologist should be, what are the side effects of chemotherapy? The treatment affects all patients differently, but common side effects include extreme fatigue, nausea, vomiting, hair loss, appetite changes, anemia, and others. Learn about what may be coming down the pike before ever starting treatment so you feel prepared both physically and mentally. Knowing the potential side effects of chemotherapy can also help patients to curb some of them. Meal planning or chemotherapy patients, for instance, can help patients lessen some of the treatment effects while promoting good nutrition. Several small meals per day, instead of a few large ones, can minimize nausea while ensuring patients are fortifying their systems. Get Help with Finances The cost of chemotherapy is another potential complication...
Recent Comments